The licensed 3M patents are directed to a technique for performing mass spectrometry analysis on proteins in tissue that has been preserved in paraffin. The technology enables researchers to study formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue for drug development and life-science research.

MALDI imaging has been increasingly utilized to analyze clinically pertinent tissues such as tumor biopsies. The molecular phenotypes visualized by MALDI imaging have been demonstrated to correlate with parameters such as disease status or patient outcome, and have been effectively applied to the categorization of tissue samples.

MALDI imaging was first developed for the analysis of fresh, frozen tissue sections, however, the analysis of preserved FFPE tissue sections is becoming increasingly important due to methodological enhancements. In the MALDI imaging community, it is widely accepted that a meaningful analysis of FFPE tissue requires a pretreatment called antigen-retrieval.
Dr. Sören-Oliver Deininger, market manager for MALDI imaging at Bruker, stated, “The interest in the analysis of FFPE tissue by MALDI imaging is increasing strongly. Bruker has developed innovative technology to make MALDI imaging viable in histopathology by the integration of virtual microscopy and the possibility to classify tissue based on the molecular phenotypes [class-imaging]. Our license agreement with 3M shows our ongoing commitment to the MALDI imaging field, and gives our customers the necessary freedom to conduct their research and advance the field.”

MALDI imaging is suited to analyze biomarkers in tissue samples. By enabling histologic correlation of molecular phenotypes and correlation of molecular signals to clinical endpoints, the technology is an effective application for cancer research. It directly images metabolites, peptides, proteins, lipids, and drugs in FFPE samples with no antibodies, probes, fluorescent dyes, or radiolabels needed.

However, analysis can be complex, tiresome, and difficult to interpret. Bruker has developed special software that supports the entire workflow, including statistical analysis, providing simple and automated interpretation and reporting of results. This new agreement with 3M supports the continued development and use of this important enabling application.